The first report of Dirofilaria repens infection in dogs from Colombia

Ballesteros, Nathalia; Castañeda, Sergio; Muñoz, Marina; Flórez, Angel; Pinilla, Juan Carlos; Ramírez, Juan David

doi:10.1007/s00436-023-07926-z

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…The prevalence is 10.82% in Bucaramanga and the seroprevalence in humans is 6.71% ( 28 ). The prevalence varies between 4.81 and 61.3% for A. reconditum ( 13 , 30 ) and the presence of D. repens is detected by morphological techniques in dogs that are put in shelters in Bucaramanga ( 29 ). In our study, the prevalence of D. immitis was 1% and that of A. reconditum was 17.75%, with one animal co-infected by both species, decreasing significantly from previously reported prevalences.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Colombia, the prevalence of D. immitis in dogs is 0.91–53.2%, depending on the sampling site ( 22–27 ), and it is 10.82% in Bucaramanga ( 28 ). However, there is only one study that has reported the presence of D. repens using molecular techniques in three blood samples of dogs that are found in shelters in Bucaramanga ( 29 ). There are two reports on the presence of A. reconditum in microfilaremic dogs with prevalences varying between 4.81 and 61.3% ( 13 , 30 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Microfilaremic infection in canine filariosis in Colombia: a challenge in morphological and molecular diagnostics

Esteban-Mendoza,

Arcila-Quiceno,

Ríos Chacón

et al. 2024

Front. Vet. Sci.

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Canine filariosis is caused by filiform nematodes and affects several species of animals as well as humans. The disease produces a wide range of symptoms that can often be confused with other diseases, which increases the complexity of its diagnosis. The search for methodologies to facilitate its diagnosis is a challenge, and specific and differential identification of the parasite species causing the disease holds key to a successful diagnosis. In Colombia, there is a problem of underdiagnosis of filariosis in microfilaremic dogs infected by Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum, and of microfilaremias not related to heartworm disease. The highest prevalences have been reported for D. immitis infections, although new cases of A. reconditum infections are beginning to appear. The aim of this study was to differentiate the microfilariae infections caused by D. immitis and A. reconditum by a morphological and molecular characterization of microfilariae so as to facilitate an accurate diagnosis of canine filariosis in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga (Colombia). For this purpose, 400 blood samples with anticoagulants were collected from the dogs and analyzed with the help of a commercial immunochromatography kit for the detection of D. immitis circulating antigen. The Woo, Knott, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were employed for determining the parasite count, morphological observation, and molecular identification of microfilariae present in the dogs respectively. The prevalence of microfilaremic dogs in Bucaramanga metropolitan area was 18.75% (75/400). The prevalence of dogs that tested positive for D. immitis in the antigen and in PCR tests was 1.25% (5/400) and 1% (4/400), respectively. Furthermore, the PCR test revealed that 17.75% of the microfilaremic dogs tested positive for A. reconditum (71/400) (first report in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga), with one animal co-infected by both species, and 0% for D. repens (0/400). However, by morphological characterization, 4% of the microfilariae (3/75) corresponded to D. immitis, 20% (15/75) to D. repens, and 76% (57/75) to A. reconditum. The use of molecular diagnostic methods such as PCR aids in the specific identification of the parasite, thus making it a more accurate method than the morphological characterization of microfilariae. The identification of the parasites by PCR helps improve the veterinary diagnosis of canine filariosis in Colombia, which would lead to the establishment of an appropriate treatment protocol for each species of filaria and also to the generation of reliable data to be used at the clinical and epidemiological levels.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microfilaremic infection in canine filariosis in Colombia: a challenge in morphological and molecular diagnostics

Esteban-Mendoza,

Arcila-Quiceno,

Ríos Chacón

et al. 2024

Front. Vet. Sci.

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“…Ballesteros et al have investigated the first report in Columbia of Dirofilaria repens confirmed by NGS [ 61 ]. Interestingly, they undertook a study involving the PCR analysis of 100 serum samples, including the 12 previously identified as positive via the Giemsa-stained smear method.…”

Section: Veterinary Parasitologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Techniques for Selected Companion Animals

Domrazek,

Jurka

2024

Animals

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Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques have revolutionized veterinary medicine for cats and dogs, offering insights across various domains. In veterinary parasitology, NGS enables comprehensive profiling of parasite populations, aiding in understanding transmission dynamics and drug resistance mechanisms. In infectious diseases, NGS facilitates rapid pathogen identification, characterization of virulence factors, and tracking of outbreaks. Moreover, NGS sheds light on metabolic processes by elucidating gene expression patterns and metabolic pathways, essential for diagnosing metabolic disorders and designing tailored treatments. In autoimmune diseases, NGS helps identify genetic predispositions and molecular mechanisms underlying immune dysregulation. Veterinary oncology benefits from NGS through personalized tumor profiling, mutation analysis, and identification of therapeutic targets, fostering precision medicine approaches. Additionally, NGS plays a pivotal role in veterinary genetics, unraveling the genetic basis of inherited diseases and facilitating breeding programs for healthier animals. Physiological investigations leverage NGS to explore complex biological systems, unraveling gene–environment interactions and molecular pathways governing health and disease. Application of NGS in treatment planning enhances precision and efficacy by enabling personalized therapeutic strategies tailored to individual animals and their diseases, ultimately advancing veterinary care for companion animals.

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